The major challenge facing the Saudi Binladin Group (SBG) in constructing Kingdom Tower will be logistics, says Besix GM Philippe Dessoy.

“The first challenge, of course, will be the design of the structure as the project is on a design-and-build scheme. The major problem we had faced during the construction of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was the logistics. The higher you go, the more problems you face,” says Dessoy.

In November last year, Dessoy predicted correctly to CW that SBG would clinch the contract. Dubai-based Besix, in partnership with El Seif Engineering Contracting, was seen as the main competitor, along with SBG.

“There was no more contact between us and Emaar Properties at that time [the developer of the Burj Khalifa] and the rumour on the market was that SBG was going to take some shares in the company investing in the project,” says Dessoy.

Dessoy confirms that Besix is hoping to become involved in the broader $20bn Kingdom City development.

“There are two countries which have a huge number of new developments for the coming years, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. We are established there, so let us be hopeful.”